Dr. Nik Kuznetsov | Aging biology | Best Researcher Award

KI, UAEU, Sweden.

Dr. Nik Kuznetsov is a molecular biologist with extensive expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular diagnostics. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, he has contributed significantly to biomedical research, space medicine, and drug discovery. His work spans gene expression profiling, biomarker discovery, personalized medicine, and microgravity research, with applications in immunology, aging, and neuroscience. Currently, he serves as a Senior Visiting Research Scientist at the United Arab Emirates University, continuing his cutting-edge research in human health and space biology.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Nik Kuznetsov holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, where he specialized in advanced genomic applications and molecular mechanisms in cellular responses. Prior to this, he earned an M.Sc. in Biochemistry, gaining expertise in protein interactions, enzymatic pathways, and molecular signaling. His academic foundation was built with a B.Sc. in Cell Biology, focusing on cellular structures, genetic regulation, and biochemical processes. His multidisciplinary education has enabled him to contribute significantly to research in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and space biomedicine.

🧪 Professional Experience

A highly experienced molecular biologist, currently serving as a Senior Visiting Research Scientist at United Arab Emirates University, with a strong background in molecular genetics, biotechnology, and drug discovery. Previously, he worked as a Senior Research Specialist & Lab Manager at Karolinska Institute, Sweden (2014–2022), where he managed laboratory operations and contributed to cutting-edge biomedical research. His industry experience includes serving as a Senior Scientist in Drug Discovery & Development at InDex Pharmaceuticals, Sweden (2012–2013) and as a Research Scientist at InDex Pharmaceuticals AB & InDex Diagnostics AB (2002–2011), where he played a crucial role in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic innovations. His academic career began with postdoctoral fellowships at the Karolinska Institute (1999–2001) and the Marie Curie Research Institute, UK (1997–1998), supported by the Royal Society. His expertise encompasses molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, with a strong focus on translational research and pharmaceutical development.

🔬 Research Interests

Genomics & Transcriptomics: RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, RIP-seq, gene expression profiling

Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics: DNA-protein interactions, biomarker discovery

Space Biology & Aging: T-cell response in microgravity, neurodegeneration in astronauts

Personalized Medicine: Drug discovery, nucleic acid-based therapies

Immunology & Inflammation: Role of T-cells in disease and adaptive immune responses

🏆 Awards & Fellowships

2023: Best Presentation Award, UAE Microbiome 2023, Abu Dhabi, UAE

2018 – 2021: Swedish National Space Agency Research Grant, Sweden

2015 – 2020: Travel Grant Awards, Karolinska Institute, Sweden

1997 – 1998: Royal Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, UK

📚 Selected Publications

Kuznetsov NV (2025). Expression of the p53 network aging-associated genes "shaken, not stirred" in a 3-week microgravity simulation human study. bioRxiv.

Kuznetsov NV, et al. (2025). An Update on Neuroaging on Earth and in Spaceflight. IJMS.

Kuznetsov NV, et al. (2025). Hallmarks of Brain Plasticity. Biomedicines.

Kuznetsov NV, et al. (2023). Reappraisal of the concept of accelerated aging in neurodegeneration and beyond. Cells.

Kuznetsov NV, et al. (2023). Exposure of volunteers to microgravity by dry immersion results in gene expression changes and adaptation of T cells. Science Advances.

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa | Obesity Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa is an accomplished Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery and Research Scholar with over 15 years of expertise in academic medicine, medical education, and strategic program development. His work spans clinical research, innovative teaching, and securing significant research funding. Passionate about fostering global research collaborations and mentoring future medical professionals, he has contributed extensively to medical education and research advancements in the Middle East and beyond.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa began his academic journey at Colegio La Salle in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in November 2002. Pursuing his passion for medicine, he completed a medical internship at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Hospital Universitario San Jorge, Colombia, in July 2009. Shortly thereafter, he further enriched his clinical experience by undertaking a medical internship at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in June 2010. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Colombia, in July 2010. Following this, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa advanced his research career as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational and Clinical Research at UCSD, completing the program in December 2011, and continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Research at the same institution until July 2013.

Experience 🩺

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Khalifa University, UAE (2021–Present), where he focuses on developing research-driven curricula, mentoring faculty, and promoting research excellence. Since 2018, he has also been a Research Scholar at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he leads groundbreaking research in bariatric surgery, metabolic disorders, and personalized medicine, having successfully secured over $1.3 million in research grants. Between 2010 and 2018, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa held various research and teaching positions at institutions including UCSD and Universidad Industrial de Santander, concentrating on clinical and translational research to advance medical knowledge and practice.

Research Interests 🔬

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery

Bariatric and metabolic surgery

Surgical oncology

Precision medicine and patient-specific treatments

Innovations in medical education

Awards & Honors 🏆

2023: Research Scholar of the Year, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

2022: IFSO MENAC Research Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

2021: Best Abstract, Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Congress, UAE

2009: Honorary Mention, UNAB School of Medicine

2003: Scholarship for Best Results in ICFES Examination, UNAB, Colombia

Selected Publications 📚

Conversion of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Mid-Term Results from the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Alshamsi, A., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Piechowska-Jóźwiak, M.I., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.

Journal: Surgical Endoscopy, 2025, 39(1), pp. 417–424, e13314.

Focuses on outcomes of surgical conversion procedures in bariatric patients in the UAE.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Primary Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Study of Weight Loss Trajectories and Perioperative Outcomes

Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Khan, M.S.I., Romero-Velez, G., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.H.

Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(12), pp. 1107–1110.

Analyzes the effects of the pandemic on bariatric surgical outcomes and weight-loss progress.

Management of Abdominal Wall Hernias in Bariatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Authors: Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Fuentes, J.L.G., Vargas-Cordova, R., Guerrón, A.D.

Journal: Annals of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery, 2024, 9.

Explores surgical management strategies for abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Diastasis Recti with Concomitant Ventral Hernia Repair: An Initial Experience in the United Arab Emirates Population

Authors: Guerron, A.D., Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Cherubino, M., Rodriguez, J.

Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(10), pp. 904–909.

Reports on the outcomes of managing diastasis recti alongside hernia repair in UAE patients.

Pain Assessment and Analgesic Requirements after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Comparison Study of Robotic versus Laparoscopic Approaches

Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Ihsan Khan, M.S., Mocanu, V., Kroh, M., Corcelles, R.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13(17), 5168.

Compares pain management outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic techniques in sleeve gastrectomy.